IZA World of Labor article by Martin Kahanec: Roma integration in European labor markets

IZA World of Labor article by Martin Kahanec: Roma integration in European labor markets

The Roma are the largest ethnic minority in Europe—as well as one of the most disadvantaged. A triple vicious circle is at play: Substandard socio-economic outcomes reinforce each other; they fuel negative attitudes and perceptions, leading to ill-chosen policies; and segmentation is perpetuated through (statistical) discrimination.

The segmentation of Europe’s labor markets along Roma and non-Roma
ethnic lines results in poverty, social exclusion, and lower labor
market status for the Roma. This in turn undermines the economic
potential of some of Europe’s poorest regions, where the Roma are
concentrated.

Educational inequality is a key factor behind labor market gaps
between Roma and non-Roma populations. Thus, an important policy
objective is to prevent the residential and social segregation that
engenders educational and other inequalities. Intergenerational
transfers of human capital imply that comprehensive policies need to
address the poverty and educational disadvantages not only of children
but also their parents.

Narrowing, or even eliminating, human capital gaps is not sufficient,
however. Equal treatment in the labor market needs to be ensured and
this will involve nurturing trust between Roma and non-Roma populations.

Several initiatives demonstrate that this is possible. Good practices
have to be identified with robust evidence and brought up to the scale
and scope commensurate with the challenges.